State Fair Hound

An independent view of the New York State Fair

Author: State Fair Hound (Page 1 of 72)

Cash Out

The paper money that’s in your wallet right makes a promise to the holder. “This note is legal tender for all debts, public and private.” There are no conditions, no asterisks, no exceptions.

TWENTIESStill many businesses, including SU’s Dome, the Lakeview Amphitheater, the Syracuse Mets’ ballpark and our beloved New York State Fair refuse to accept good old American cash. But there may be hope for those who think the practice of requiring credit cards or electronic payment is nonsensical, discriminatory and potentially subject to fraud and theft.

Channel 9 News recently reported that a bill in the New York State Senate proposes a law that would require merchants to accept cash as payment for goods and services, though allowing some exceptions. Let’s all contact our State Senator and urge support for this measure. Interestingly, New York City already has a law prohibiting cashless businesses.

CASH ONLYMeanwhile, USA Today has reported that the National Park Service being sued over refusal to accept cash.

You can bet that, as you read this, some creep, somewhere is looking at this practice, trying to figure a way to hack into the payments systems or to steal your credit card information. And sooner or later, someone will succeed.

It’s an unnecessary and reckless risk. There was a time that all of these businesses accepted cash and it worked just fine. If they have issues with staffing, accounting and security, they should deal with it as they did back then. It’s called doing business. They all make plenty of profit from the customers they are abusing with their cashless BS.

At least we can use EZ Pass at the Fair and almost all vendors happily accept our money. We’ve heard of some that don’t, so we’ll just keep walking to one that does.

Likewise, smart customers are justified in thinking twice about patronizing businesses and venues that require credit cards.

 

 

 

 

 

Thanks, Sean

You may have heard that Sean Hennessey has left the New York State Fair after two of strong years at the helm, first as interim director and then as director. Hennessey came in at a disadvantage in filling the role after Troy Waffner’s sudden departure, but rose to the occasion. SEAN IN DBHis relentlessly positive attitude, solid work ethic and enthusiasm for the job helped him produce a couple of dandy Fairs. It was great to hear him often express respect and appreciation for the terrific Fair team that supported his administration.

It’s been reported that Sean left for another New York government job opportunity but, as with his predecessor’s move in leaving the Fair, you always have to wonder if the Governor and her staff are giving us the straight story.

Coincidentally, it appears that Fair public relations woman Alice Maggiore has also left for another job. Her name is no longer in the Fair directory and she is employed by Strategic Communications. Maggiore accepted the impossible mission of trying to replace Dave Bullard as she demonstrated a high degree of professionalism a good feel for that challenging job.

We know that our readers will want to join State Fair Hound in saying thanks and good luck to Sean and Alice.

200 and Counting

Opening day of the 2024 New York State Fair is a long way off–200 days from Friday to be exact. That’s plenty of time, but there’s much to be done.

As always, State Fair Hound has some ideas that could serve as a blueprint for a better Fair this year and beyond. ON THE MOUNDWhile we’re happy to respect many of the traditions that have made the Fair great over the years, suggestions for improvement, especially from outside the fences of the Fairgrounds or government offices of Albany, are essential to pleasing patrons and boosting chances for a successful 13 days.

The Hound has already promoted some ideas in recent posts. Those include more productive and respectful engagement with vendors and exhibitors (Sticky Red Tape, 9/23/23), humane and responsible treatment of animals in exhibits and performances (Breeding doubt, 9/13/23), continuation of the trend to improve food vendor structures and increase menu variety (Feeding Frenzy, 9/8/23) and revival of senior days with enhancements (Silver Surfers 10/19/23).

Music fans also deserve a better variety of acts, documented here many times, BLOSSOMSincluding Black Listed, 6/20/23, Hip Hopping to Conclusions, 9/21/22 and Triangulation, 7/15/19. Performance venue improvements, especially at Suburban Park, would be appreciated as would more courteous treatment of customers by security staff, who should view their duty to maximize fan comfort and enjoyment while keeping interventions friendly and helpful.

The no-cash policy for admission and parking remains a  flawed idea. Director Sean Hennessey patiently explained to The Hound why he feels that practice is necessary for the Fair, but it remains a burden and a security risk for patrons. Perhaps there’s a compromise to be made there. It should be considered.

The bottled water monopoly granted to Pepsi’s Aquafina brand back in 2018 still rankles customers and handicaps vendors. The market should determine what products are sold on the grounds and at what price.

Transportation and parking issues carry over from year to year and there’s no indication that any effective changes or creative ideas have been considered. Why not? It’s a huge issue, especially on dates when there’s a concert being staged on the other side of I-690–something that should not be happening.POTATO BOOTH

We’d also like to see a more efficient process at the baked potato stand, where lines can be way too slow-moving.

The Hound will pass along more ideas as opening day approaches. We hope that our readers will send theirs to Fair management. In fact, we think that a committee of ordinary folks who love the Fair should be convened on a regular basis–a kind of advisory board. It could pay off.

Right now, there are 200 days to work on making this year’s Fair great. Let’s get to work.

Silver Surfers

Though kids of all ages are often considered the most reliable customers of the New York State Fair, there are droves of baby boomers who never miss it. That’s why The Hound is disappointed that officially-designated senior citizen days have been discontinued from the agenda. SCOOTERS

Although it’s laudable that everyone over the age of 65 is admitted free every day, the Fair needs to do more to cater to senior customers. In years past, senior days were perennially-popular events, starting with hand-picked entertainment on the Chevy Court stage. This year, Herman’s Hermits and Tommy James and the Shondells performed on the first Monday and Tuesday–traditionally senior days–not bad choices but lacking in imagination. Staging some big bands, American songbook singers, bluegrass pickers, romantic crooners and classic country acts could spice up the soundtracks of  designated senior days

In addition to music and entertainment, gray-hairs also love targeted giveaways, vendor specials, scheduled retro events and health-related presentations designed for them. More of those features would be well-received and much-appreciated.

Another benefit that makes for a better Fair experience for older patrons is the motorized scooters for those who find walking difficult. HILLBILLIESThey’re always there and quite popular, but rather expensive at $50 to $65 and limited in availability. Improvements in scooter service certainly seem to be in order.

Of course, numerous favorite food stands are greatly missed by senior diners, but we don’t anticipate the return of the Grange Ox Roast, Gianelli and Baker’s Chicken Coop. Savvy vendors should come up with creative ideas to attract seniors. The whole-meal specials once sold at the Grange stand were popular and led to loyal customer response.

It wouldn’t add much expense for the Fair to get back to scheduling official senior days and it would seem to be a can’t miss hit. We love the kids who swarm the midway, but let’s not forget grandma and grandpa.

Circle of Life

The observance of Indigenous Peoples Day on Oct. 9 should remind those of us who love the New York State Fair of our annual visits to the festive and historic Iroquois village. SNAKE DANCE

The respectful habitation of this continent by our Haudenosaunee neighbors and other indigenous nations deserves recognition and celebration.

Unfortunately, the City of Syracuse is still grappling with the path toward removing a downtown statue that honors those responsible for the shameful and genocidal history that began in 1492. City administration has been embroiled in litigation started by ignorant and misguided citizens and wrongly upheld by an incompetent, biased and politicized judge.

It’s way past time to end the idolatry of Columbus to build a new circle that honors the People of the Longhouse and indigenous people from coast to coast.

Looking Good

Everyone who toured the grounds of the New York State Fair this year had to be impressed with the neat, organized and impressively clean look from one end to the other. PONDSIDEHardworking cleaning staff swarmed the grounds relentlessly, keeping trash contained.

Restrooms were well-maintained and picnic areas policed. It’s easy to take for granted the cleanliness and organization of the Fairgrounds. It’s one of those things you don’t notice until there’s a problem. There were issues in past years that drew criticism and complaints.

This year, no complaints were heard and none deserved. Kudos to those in charge of keeping things clean.

Sticky Red Tape

Several of the Hound’s contacts among Fair insiders have this year expressed frustration with the State Fair administration. The most commonly heard complaints center around poor communication, unwillingness to listen and lack of collaboration. SL PAST EXPOThe ugly clash prior to opening day that led to the absence of the Carol Baldwin Fund (Pink Out, Aug. 15, 2023) was well-documented and very disturbing, but not unique.

Apparently, bureaucratic paralysis is taking hold and making life difficult for vendors and exhibitors across the Fairgrounds. Fair administrators, from Director Sean Hennessey’s staff to the Department of Agriculture and Markets, right up to and including Gov. Hochul have to do better.

Some complaints have been heard from stakeholders over the years, but they seem to be louder now. Some of the Fair insiders said that they may not return due to their frustration with Fair brass,coupled with increased fees and expenses that are cutting into their profits. That’s bad news for Fair patrons.

You can bet that state politicians and bureaucrats are behind the problems. They should back off and let Hennessey’s staff handle things. While Hennessey just completed his first Fair at the top, he’s a classy guy and he has a lot of experienced and capable people on board who know the ropes when it comes to running the Fair. They can do the job, so state big shots should–but probably won’t–get out of the way and let them handle things.

Village Voices

In recent years, the New York State Fair has made a push to showcase the ethnic diversity of the Empire State. With the Pan African Village firmly established as a particularly popular Fair locale, the Latino Village has been ramping up for the past five Fairs.

This year the Asian Village jumped in for the first four days with vendors, music and dance. AV COCOAs with its predecessors, its vendors and exhibitors will need some time to promote familiarity with patrons.

When it comes to Fair fans, food is always a good place to start. Asian village cuisine shined with a tasty variety that included stir fry options and an exotic coconut drink that seemed to catch on quickly.

This year Latino and Asian shared space near the Youth Building and Talent Showcase stage, but future Fairs must let both grow into more established spots to allow visitors to know where they are and what they offer in terms of entertainment, food and exhibits. That way they can make their marks as their Pan African counterparts have done.

Breeding Doubt

While the exhibition of livestock goes back to the origin of the New York State Fair, the passing of years brings alternative viewpoints when it comes to the role of animals at the Fair. As planning begins for the 2024 edition, serious discussion about animal welfare issues would be in order.

During the Fair, a letter was published in the Post-Standard and syracuse.com that questioned the ethics of the Dairy Cow Live Birthing Center. CALFRepresentatives of Woodstock Farm Sanctuary in Ulster County criticized the treatment of the cows and the practice of prematurely separating babies from their from mothers, claiming to have over 10,000 signatures on a petition seeking to have the Birthing Center discontinued.

Their concerns seem valid. Those days-old calves are adorable and Fair visitors certainly enjoy seeing them, but it would seem that a state that touts its dairy farming industry would demonstrate greater sensitivity in its care of cows and calves.

When it comes down to it, we should also be considering whether featuring animals in a petting zoo and a sea lions show meet humane standards. Fair administration should be mindful of humanitarian concerns regarding both livestock and wild animal acts in applying both judgement and compassion.

One idea would be to appoint knowledgeable staff to assess conditions for animals on the grounds and make recommendations regarding their treatment. When legitimate concerns are raised, the Fair has a responsibility to issue a public response and make changes if necessary.

Rope and Chain Acts

Life-like dinosaurs inhabited the Expo Center throughout the recently-concluded New York State Fair,   which kept the cavernous building swarming with kids all 13 days. TANKEDBut two smaller acts were also great new additions as Lady Houdini and Groovy Guy presented circus-like talents several times each day.

Lady Houdini did daring escapes reminiscent of her iconic namesake, culminating in her breaking free of chains and emerging from a water tank. Groovy did a little juggling while keeping up a constant patter of jokes and wisecracks, before walking on a rope held by audience members, which was not dangerous but was very impressive.

These performers, combined with other grounds entertainment effectively make the case for viewing State Fair admission and parking charges as trivial when you consider the overall bang for the buck.

While returning favorites are essential to loyal Fair fans, a variety of new acts every year brings another dimension and encourages people to attend more than once in order to catch all of the shows. It’s a winning formula for the Fair and its customers.

We can’t wait to see what comes next.

 

 

 

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